SLCC Rules Change Consultation February 2014

In February and March of 2014, the SLCC consulted on making changes to Rules 13 and 14 of the SLCC Rules. Details of this consultation are below:

"The Commission proposes to make changes to the existing Rules 13 and 14 to remove the requirement for draft settlements to be issued at the Determination stage of the complaints process.

There are two reasons why we are proceeding with this change:

From feedback we receive from complainers and practitioners, it is clear that the major cause for concern is delay and the length of time the complaints investigation process takes. In our view the draft Determination report is a redundant step in the process as parties will already have had ample opportunity to make representations, including at the step where a complaint moves to Determination.

Where we are looking at other efficiency improvements to speed up the overall complaints process, it makes sense to progress this change sooner rather than later.

Under section 32 (5) of the Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007, the Commission must, before varying its rules, consult with the Lord President of the Court of Session; the Scottish Ministers; the relevant professional organisations; such groups of persons representing consumer interests as it considers appropriate, as to the proposed content of the rules to be varied.

The consultation opened on February 18th 2014 and responses should be received by 21st March 2014.